For Max Duke, aviation has never stayed in just one lane. From flight instruction and aerospace engineering to military service and skydiving, much of his life and career has revolved around aircraft and flight. Today, he serves as Manager of the Flight Test Engineering team at Wisk Aero, where he has worked for nearly five years.

During his time at Wisk, Max has supported major flight test milestones, including serving as the test conductor for the first flight of Wisk’s Generation 6 aircraft. Before joining Wisk, he worked at Scaled Composites, Garmin, A³ by Airbus (Vahana), and Swift Engineering. Prior to his aerospace career, he served for five years in the United States Marine Corps within Force Reconnaissance before attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in flight education.

Outside of work, Max is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/CFMEI), former Division 1 football player, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, and skydiver with nearly 500 jumps.

We spoke with Max about his path into aviation, his experience in flight test engineering, and the moments that have stood out most throughout his career so far.

Can you share a bit about your role as Manager of Flight Test Engineering and your favorite part of the job?

I lead a team of six flight test engineers, ranging from entry-level to staff positions. We author test plans, develop instructional procedures, and execute both Gen 6 and surrogate flight and ground tests. My favorite part of being a manager is mentoring. There is nothing better than seeing team members use the skills you’ve taught them to truly excel and knock it out of the park.

What’s been the most rewarding project for you in your nearly 5 years at Wisk?

That’s a tough one, but it has to be acting as the test conductor for the very first flight of our first Gen 6 aircraft. Honestly, it felt like the professional equivalent of seeing your child being born; it's hard to describe and brought me to tears.

What did you do before working at Wisk and how did you get into aviation?

I’ve worked at a few different aerospace companies, focusing on everything from early-stage research and development to FAA certification. I’ve always had a baseline interest in aviation, but my time in the military solidified it. I was constantly around aircraft, but getting a reward flight in the front seat of a Cobra helicopter was the definitive turning point. I knew right then I wanted to make a career out of it.

When I left the military, I used the GI Bill to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in flight education. That minor took me from zero flight time all the way to earning my private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor ratings. I started instructing during my senior year and have kept doing it on and off ever since.

With nearly 500 parachute jumps under your belt, do you still get a rush every time, or has it become "just another day at the office"?

I’m not currently active in skydiving, but looking back, every single jump was incredibly fun. The raw adrenaline rush does taper off after the beginning, though. Eventually, it becomes like any other sport, you shift focus away from the adrenaline and toward constantly honing your skills, tracking your metrics, and trying to get better.

Any advice to offer for someone who is about to enter their career as a Flight Test Engineer?

Gain experience in aviation any way possible. It doesn’t strictly have to be a pilot’s license, because flight training is undeniably expensive; drones and remote control aircraft can be an easier entry. Just immerse yourself in the environment, learn the systems, understand the operational side of things, and get close to the aircraft however you can.